Search - The Devil Rides Out on DVD

"Hammer horror meets Dennis Wheatley..what more can you ask?

Hammerhead | 09/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is in my opinion Hammer's best film of the sixties and definately Christopher Lee at his very best. Refreshing to see the screens greatest villain in a heroic role for once and to appear in a film which he survives without being staked,disintegated or burnt to death. Hammer's star director Terence Fisher is back on fine form with this taut satanic thriller which is the best adaption of a Dennis Wheatley novel to be translated to the screen. Chris Lee plays the Duc de Richeleau a nobleman out to protect his young protege Patrick Mower from falling into the clutches of a group of satanists led by the excellent Charles Gray (remember him as Blofeld in Diamonds Are Forever and as Henderson in You Only Live Twice). Excellent set pieces troughout including a classic scene in which the Angel of Death turns up on a horse to claim a soul and cannot return empty handed. Superb acting throughout from all paties including Leon Greene and Nike Arrighi but this film is a landmark in the careers of both Christopher Lee and Terence Fisher and its the only Hammer film where both of them can really excel themselves makes one wonder why the studio didn't use them more wisely before. This is a classic film and although a little dated in parts still remains one of the best satanic horror films ever made."

Hammer at it's BEST - Superb DVD

frankenberry | Los Angeles, CA USA | 08/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THE DEVIL RIDES OUT is Hammer horror at it's best and Anchor Bay's DVD is a gem. Christopher Lee and Charles Gray battle it out (and put their all into their roles) in a very entertaining satanic tale of good vs. evil. Although some of the effects are dated and some of the dialog can invoke a chuckle here and there, the film is still very solid and engrossing. The moment early on where the demonic spirit of a black man with glowing yellow eyes appears is still very creepy and effective...easily one of the scariest moments in any Hammer film ever. So when the movie's creepy, it's fun...and when it's a bit hokey or campy, it's fun as well. The DVD includes the US and UK trailers --- almost identical except the title of the film and the UK trailer blacks out parts of the image (like the spider)! There is also a commentary track by Christopher Lee and actress Sarah Lawson. Lee, who had a BIG hand in getting this film made at the time, is understandably very knowledgeable about satanism-witchcraft, Wheatley's book and the film itself. It's an interesting track and a great testimony to Hammer. It is sad that Peter Cushing never had a chance to do a commentary for any of his Hammer roles. Anyway, this is great Saturday afternoon viewing...you can't go wrong here!"

Super Hammer tale!

Deborah MacGillivray | US & UK | 03/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My favourite movie of Christopher Lee is the knockout Wickerman (also happens to be his favourite film!!), but this one is my second favourite and a really super non-Dracula tale from Hammer,Adapted from the book by Dennis Wheatley. Lee is even the good guy!Lee (in a role that generally went to Peter Cushing) plays Richlea, a dapper man with deep knowledge of the esoteric, join forces with a war buddy to save the son of their old friend. The young man, played to perfection by Patrick Mower, has fallen into the clutches Oth Mocata(Charles Gray played with particular power and menace) is a high priest to a Devil Cult that has their sites set on Mower and his fortune.An excellent struggle of good vs evil that is tautly written, directed and acted, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and one you will want to view again and again."

Excellent Hammer Thriller

John Clymer | O'Fallon, Missouri | 06/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent Hammer version of Dennis Wheatley's fine Gothic novel. Christopher Lee stars (in a rare heroic role) as Duc de Richleau an occult scholar battling a Satanic cult in 1920s Europe.Director Tarrence Fisher and Screenwriter Richard Matheson create a wonderful period atmoshphere; and the supporting cast, including genre favorite Charles Gray, give terrific performances. The film, however, belongs to Christopher Lee who brings much pathos and dignity to his role. It is a shame more filmmakers have not tapped into Lee's unlimited acting potential.Anchor Bay's VHS edition looks great and sounds better with a new Dolby sound track. The DVD version also from Anchor Bay (Due July 11) looks to be even better as it includes a Dolby Digital (5.1) track and a commentary from Christopher Lee.The Devil Rides Out is a classic Hammer thriller sure to please fans."